Type-writing machine.



No. 848,707. PATENTED APRQ'Z, 1901.

P. x. WAGNER. TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

APPLIGAHOE TILED 11:18.27. 1905.

S-SHEE'I' I.

Mir 5W Z WWW" W v A ATTO/QN No. 848,707. I PATBNTBD APR. 2, 1907.

' F. x. WAGNER.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

' APPLICATION FILED [A331, 1905.

I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

J h v .VN nu mm 2 W NW MN k m ON R M N m Jm w WW //V VE/VTOR A Tram Z? tmrrao STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANZ X. WAGNER, OF NEW YORK, Y., ASSIGXOR TU UNDEHWOUD No. 848,707. Specification 0 YORK, N. Y., A (OIUORA'llOX OF NG MACHINE.

Apnllcation filed larch 27,1905- Sorial No. 252.382.

To all whom it may mmn'rm Be it known that l, Ftuxz X. Wauxntt, a citizen of the United States, residing in Bronx borough, New York city,in thccouuty of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in 'lype-Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the ribbon-controlling dcvices of type-writing machines,,

and particularly to tltc mechanism in frontstrike and other visible-writing nut-chines by which the ribbonis caused to cover and uncover the printing-point at each type-stroke.

The object of my invention is to produce a simple and satisfactory mechanism for enablmg the operator to bring tnto use either the upper or the lower. color-band of a polvcltromatie ribbon and also to render the rtbbm1-vtbratmg'meclnnnsm ineffective dur- 5 ing the operation of the types at will, so as to adapt the machine for writing stencils for use In mimeographic work.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for enabling the operator positively and certainly to bring into use either color-band desired without the usual ne-;

eessity of first striking a type-key to ascertain what color is written thereby and withoutthe liability of making an error as to the color and also to determine at any time by a glance which color-band of the ribbon is in use or whether the ribbon-vibrating mechanism is thrown out of use.

In carrying out my invention T. provide between the ribbon-carrier of the well-known Underwood type-writ ing machine and the lever which vibrates said carrier at the keystrokes a member having steps, and I provide means for enablingsaid lever to engage either of said steps, and hence to move said ribbon up and down over the printing-point, thus bringing into use either the top colorbaud or the lower color-band of the ribbon, accordi g to the particular step which is in use. Said stepped member is )referably upon the ribbon-carrier itself. I provide upon the framework of the machine a shift erbar which can control said stepped member,

while not interfering with the .up and down movements of the ribbon carrier. The shifter-bar I operate by means of two keys,

'-f"'- l'l i l l f' -l out o w on .I. (U orru and tto ot. tcro wine 1 1 color black. The connection between the t keys and the ribbon-carrier are such that when the red key is depressed thered band of the ribbon is put into use; on the contrary, when the black key is depressed the black band is put into use. Other colors of ribbon and keys, however, maybe employed. Other objects and advantages will hereafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation taken through the ribbon mechanism of an Underwood type-writing l1ltl.,('lllllt tllltl showing my improvemcnts applied thereto. Theparts are in normal position, bttt the platen and ribbon mechanism are shown elevated to the position for enabling the capital types to print. Fig. 2 is a sectional rear view of the parts sec-t at Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan of the saute. Fig. 4 is a. perspective View of the principal portions of the ribbon-vibrating mechanism,

Ethe parts being shown in the positions seen at Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the rlbbon- Zcarrier, but showing the parts shifted to i such a )USilltHl as to cause the lower'colorband 0' the ribbon to be brottght into use, but ol" rwise in the same position as at Fig. 2. Fig. 6 shows the parts in printing posi- 1 tion, but at the lower-case shift. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 5, but showing the parts shifted to position for causing the lower color-band of the ribbon to be brought into use.

As usual in the l'ndcrwood front-strike writirig-machine, t ype-l mrs l ,eiirrying lowercase types 2 and upper-case types 3, strike rearwardlv through a ribbon 4 against a platen 5. Said platen is usually mounted in a frame or carriage (not shownlwhich runs ttpon a rail ti, and this rail is shit'table up and down, together with the platen-frame and platen, to enable the types .2 and 3 to print. At Fig. 6 the parts are in lower-case position to enable the types '2 to print while at all the remaining figures the parts are in upper-case t position to enable the types 3-to print. At each type impression the ribbon is lirst vibrated up to cover the printing-point and i then down todisclose the writing. these movements being etl'ectcd by a carrier 7 standing vert' -al ly in front of the platen and i guided ina casting or segment in which ere also mounted the type-bars l. This ribl bon-carrier is actuated by a lever comprisl ing arms 9 and 10. The lever is pivoted at which is engaged by heels 18, formed upon the type-bars. Each type-bar as 1t swings to the platen pushes back said universal barframe, together with the slotted member 13,

'thereby vibrating the lever-arm 10 backwardly and elevating the lever-arm 9, so as to raise the ribbon-carrier 7, together with the ribbon. The return movements of said universal-bar frame are effected by a spring 19 The ribbon is formed along its upper portion with a band 20, which is charged with black ink, and along its lowe portion with a band 21, which is charged with red ink, although other contrasting colors are sometimes used. To enable either color to be used at will, I provide 'means'for enabling the lever-arm 9 to raise the ribbon-carrier to different elevations, giving the same ashort stroke when it' is desired to use the black upper band 20 and a long stroke when it is de- To this end I pivot at 22 upon the rear face of the ribbon-carrier 7 a plate 23, having'at its lower ends steps 24 and 25, with either of which said lever may cooperate, whereby strokes of ditl'erent' lengths are given to the ribbon-carrier, owing to the difference in the distance of the steps from the lever-arm 9.

' When it is desired touse the black'band 20,

the upper step 24 is brought into play by vibratingthe stepped member 23 to the right at Fig. 7, so that the initial portion of the upward stroke of the lever-arm 9 is idle, and the ribbon-earrier is lifted only during the last portion of the lever-stroke ust suilicient to cause the black band 20 to cover the printing-point. When, however, 'it is de siredto use the redlower band 21 ,the. stepped member 23 is vibrated to the left at Figs. 5

and 6, so that the lower step 25 stands opposite the lever-arm 9, and there is little or no lostmotion of the latter during its up stroke, whereby the riblmn-carrier is given a.fullupward movement until the lower red band 21 tands over the printing-point. \Vhile said te s are shown in the form of projections, stil the projections may be omitted within the z -ope of the invention. It is not necessary in al cases that the shiftable stepped member 23 he pivoted upon the ribbon-car .rier or pivoted at all or even positively attacized to a moving member.

Between thcsteps 24 and 25 is an opening 26 of sufficient width to permit the lever- :n'm f) to play freely up and down therein. When said shiftable plate 23 stands in vertical or midway position, as at Figs. 2 and 4, the lever plays idly up and down in said opening during the ty e-strokes and the rib bon is not moved at a I from its normal position. Thus the types strike off the ribbon, this provision being useful for mimeograph and other kinds of work.

For shifting the stepped member 23 to either one of its three required positions I of the machine a shifter-bar 27, having forks or slot member 28 extending down in rear of said ,late 23, said forks bestriding a. pin 29, whic 1 projects from said plate 23. The forks (or the intervening slot) stand vertica ly so as not to interfere at any time with the up and down movements of the pin 29 or the ribbon-carrier. By sliding the shifterbar 27 to the left or right the forks are caused to engage the pin 29 and vibrate the carrier to either of the three positions illustrated in the several figures. It will be seen that. the shifter-bar extends to the side of the machine, and, if desired, it may be prolonged to form a finger-piece 30, projecting at the right-hand side of the machine, convenient for the operator. Upon the bar I form three notches 31, either of which is engageable by a spring-detent 32 for detaining the shifter-bar, and hence the stepped plate 23, in either of the three positions referred to.' I prefer, however, to provide a rock-shaft 33 having an upstanding arm 34 to engage a notch 35 formed in the end of the shifterbar 27, so that by rocking said shaft the bar may be shifted. Upon the forward end of said shaftand just in front of a vertical plate 36, which stands in rear of the usual type-keys 37, I provide a two-arm lever 33, one arm carrying a red key 39 and the other carrying a black key 40. It will be seen that when the black key 40 is depressed the arm 34 is rocked to the right at Fig. 2, and consequently the stepped member 23 is swung to the Fig. 7 osition, which is the position for hringin t 1e black band of the ribbon into use. W ten the red key is depressed, the member 23 is swung to the Fig. 5 position for bringing the red bandinto use. When the keys are level or in midway positions, as seen at Figs. 2 and 4, the plate 23 stands in a ing 26 is opposite t e lever, and hence the ribbon does not move up at the ty e-strokes. The provision of the red and blue keys is a. great convenience, since the operator is enabled to tell bymerely glancing at themwhich color-band of the ribbon is in use, and at any time a. simple touch upon a key changes the color. There is no possibility of printing, the wrong color upon the paper, which has ,heretofore been a source of greatannoyance to the operator.

provide upon a fixed part 8 of the framework position where the open- The weight of the riblain-earrier assists the returnithereot to normal position; but l prefer to provide upon the bottom of the ribboncarrier at cross-pin -H beneath the end of the lever, so that the latter in its return movement may insure the return of the ribbonc-arrier. \Yhen the shift-rail and platen are elevated to enable the upper-ease types to print, the lever is carried bodily up by reason of its being pivoted upon the braeket 1;, that istixed to the shift-rail ti, and at'the same time the ribbon-t arrier is elevated by means of an arm 42, formed upon sai'l brar het 113 and projez-ting forwardly therefrom beneath the foot oi the IilJlHm-t arrier.

Overt-brow of the ribbon-carrier when in up )er-ease position is prevented by the lower ent of one of the forks 2h, hit it is in the path 'of the projecting step 2-! and serves as a stop therefor. 'lbe overthrow of the ribbonearrier when the parts are in l()\\'('l' ase position is prevented by a stop 43 in the path of the projecting step 25, as at Fig. t'. This step 43 is pivoted at 44 upon the rear side of the segment or framework 5 and at its lowerend has a cam 45, with hi: it engages the side edge of bracket-arm 12, as seen at Figs. 2 and 6, so that when said brarlu-t-arm is being elevated it cams the stop 43 out of operative position, as at Fig. 2, so that it (annot interfere with the desired upward movements of the ribbon-carrier. A compressionspring 46 is provided to insure the proper vibration of the stop 43 when the parts are shifted back to lower-ease posit ion.

Variations may be resorted to'within (he 4 scopeof my invention, and portions of my im rovements may be used without others.

aving tints described my invention, 1 claim 1. In a type-writing machine,

nation with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, a part which is reeiproeated, at the )erat-ions of the types, and a member'shit'table to diti'erent positions upon said ribbonearrier, and having a plurality of steps movable into the path of said reeiprm-atmg part so as to etl'ect variable movements ot said ribbon-carrier and bring ditl'erent color-bands on the ribbon into use. 1

2. in a type-writing machine, the combination with ty )es and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, a mem )er shil'table thereon andhaving step portions, a lever which may engage with either of said step portions according to the adjustment of" said shiftable member, and means for reciprocating said lever at the type-strokes.

3. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, a stepped member movable thereon, means including a finger-piece for adjusting said stepped member transversely of the ribbon-carrier, and a lever movable at each keythe combi-- stroke and engageiible with either step upon said step member.

4. la a tape-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen. of a ribbonvibrator, a stepped member pivoted thereon, a shifter mounted upon the framework and capable of vibrating said pivoted member to bring either step thereon into use, and a lever reeiproeatml at each type-stroke and engageable with said stepped member.

in a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonvibrator, a stepped member movable transversely thereon, a stationary shifter having a pin-and-slot engagement with said stepped member so as to ell'eet transverse adjustment of the lntter but permit ribbonvibrating movement thereof, and a lever reeiproeated at the key-strokes and engageable with either step of said stepped member.

6. lit a type-writing machine, the eombination with types and a platen, of a ribbon carrier, at transversely-inovable stepped member thereon, a lever reeiproeated at the type-strokes and engageable with either'step of said stepped member, means for detaining said stepped member in dill'erent positions t cause said lever to'ingage eit her step t hereon, and means for enabling said lever to return said carrier to normal position.

7. In a l \'pe-\\'l'itiltg nmehine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, an arm pivoted thereon and having steps,-a member reeiproeated at the ty )0- strokes and having a part to engage either step, a shil'ter mounted upon the framework and having a slot extending in the direction of the movement of said ribbo i-carrier, and a pin upon said stepped 1110])01 engaging said slot.

8. ln a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a part reeiproeated at the lwy-strokes, a ribbon-carrier, a member pivoted upon said ribbon-carrier and having steps, and a finger-piece for ell'eeting movement of said pivoted member to shift either step int o the path of said reciprocating part.

9. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen,,of a part re.- eiprocated at the hey-strokes, a ribbon earrier, a member mounted upon said ribboncarrier and having steps, a finger-piece for effecting movements of said stepped member to shifteither step into the path of said reciprocating part, and means for detaining sald stepped member in the different positions to which it is shifted.

10. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a part reciproeated at the key-strokes, a ribbon-carrier, a member mounted upon said ribboncarrier and having steps, a shifter mounted upon the framework of the machine and con movements of the latter, to bring either step into the path of said reciprocating member,

means for detaining said shifter in different positions, and a finger-piece controlling said shifter.

11. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a laten, a part reciprocated at each type-strolls, a ribbon-carrier, a stepped member between said ribbon-carrier, and said reciprocating part, and means for adjusting said ste ped member to effect different vibrations of the ribbon-carrier 'to bring either color-band of the ribbon into use.

12. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a. platen, a partrecip rocated at each type-stroke, a ribbon-carrier,

' movable into such positions as to cause sat a stepped member between said ribbon-carrier and said reciprocating part, means for adjusting said stepped member to effect different vibrations of the ribbon-carrier to bring either color band of the ribbon into use, a shifter upon the framework controlling the osition of said ste ped member, and means or detaining said sliifter in a plurality of positions.

13. In a type-writing machine, the combi nation with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, means vibrating the ribbon-carrier at the ty e-strokes, a plurality of differentlycolore keys, and means enabling each key to control the vibration of the ribbon-carrier so as to bring into use the ribbon-band having the color corresponding to the operated key.

I4. In a ype-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, an actuator reeiproeated at the type-strokes, a plurality of differently-colored keys. and means between said actuator and said ribbon-carrierand cont rolled by said colored keys for bringing differently-colored bands of the ribbon into use.

15. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonvibrator, an actuator reciprtwated at the type-strokes, a two-arm lever, a key upon each arm of the lever, and means between said actuator and said Vibrator and controlled bv said lever, for causing such movements of said carrier as to bring different color-bands of the ribbon into use.

16. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, a part which is reciprocaied at the operations of the types, a member having steps and pivoted to one of said ribbon-earrier and reciprocating parts, and means for effecting such relativemovements of said stopped member, as to cause the reciprocating part either to effect variable movements of said ribbon-carrier to bring different color bands on theribbon into use, or to fail to move the carrier, at the will of the operator.

1?. In a type-writing machine, the combicarrier, a part which is reci rocated at the operations of the tvpe-stro cs, a member having steps and shiftable on one of said elements, and a tingerspiec'e upon the framework connected to said stepped member and capable of shiftin the same, so that the ribhon-carrier is eit ier rendered ineffective at the type-strokes or caused to bring different widthwise portions of the ribbon into use.

, 18. In a type-writing machine, the combination with ty es and a platen, of a ribboncarrier. a member having steps and shiftable thereon; a fin er-piece upon the framework and connecte to said stepped member, a part which is reciprocated at the operations of the types, said stepped member being reciprocating part either to move the carrier different distances or not at all, and means ent posit-ions. 19. In a type-writing machine, the comb:-

having steps. a ribboncarrier, a part reciprocat ing at the type-strokes, said step ed memher being shiftable upon one of said elements so as to cause said ribbon-carrier to be moved different distances, by the engagement of said reciprocating part with said steps, and means for rendering said reciprocating member ineffective at will. I

20. In a type-writing machine, the corhbination with types and a platen, of a ribbonvibrator, a member having steps and shiftable thereon, a shifter mounted upon the framework, and a part reciprocatcd at each member, said shifter capable f moving said stepped member either so that different steps thereof may engage said reciprocating part, or so that said carrier is inoperable by said reciprocating part, at will.

21. In a type-writing machine, the coml nation with types and a platen, of a ribboncarrier, a part which reciprocates at the type-strokes, and a shiftable member havin steps either of which is engageable by sai reciprocating part, said steps separated by an opening in which said reciprocating part may work idly, and means for detaining said stepped member in such positions that said reciprocating part may engage either of said steps or work idly in said opening, at the will of the operator.

22. in a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a. platen, of a ribbona member shift able upon one of said carrier and rcci roeating elements; said stepped member )eing formed with an opening between said steps; a shifter mounted upon the framework and connected to said step ed member; and. means for detaining said shi ter inany one of three positions, so as to cause nation withtypes'and a platen, of a ribbondetaining said stepped member in its differnation with types and a platen, of a member type-stroke and engageable wi b said stepped carrier, a part- IttflPI'OCttiPt at the type-strokeseither of said steps or said opening to stand opposite to said reciprocating part.

.23. In a t \'pe-writing maehine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonearrier, a part, reeiprocated at the typestrokes, a member provided with steps and an intervening opening and pivoted upon said earrier, a roeking deviee upon the framework provided with keys, means couneeting said rocking deviee to said stepped member, and means for detaining said stepped member with either one of said steps or said opening opposite to said reciprocating part.

2-1. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen,-of a ribbonearrier, a part reeiprueated at the typestrokes, a member having two'steps and an intervening opening and shiftable transversely upon said carrier, a shifter bar mounted upon the framework and controlling said stepped member, means for detaining said shifter-bar in any of three positions, and a roek-shaft connected to said shifter-bar and having a pair of keys. v

25. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonearrier, an actuator reeiproeated at the typestrokes, a shiftable member between said aetuatorandsaidearriertoenable similar movements ofsaid actuator toeffeet variable movements of the earrier, and a plurality of differentlV-eolored keys operatively connected to said shiftable member.

26. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonearrier; means for vibrating the ribbon-earrier at the type-strokes; said vibrating means ineluding a part shif'table to different positions for eausing different color-bands on the ribbon to be brought into use; differentlV- eolored keys mounted upon the framewor aml means-marbling said keys to shift said shift able member to different positions.

27. In a type-writing nnu'hine, the eombination wil h keys and a platen, of a riblmn-earrier, a part. reriproeated at the t ie-strokes, a,

stepped men-bozbet ween said ri )bon-eurrier and said reciproezu ing part, a shifter eon trolling said Stepped member-so as to bring eit her step th reof intocooperation with said reeiprm-ating part. and keyslnount d upon the framework and having means for moving said shifter to different positions.

28. In a type-writing nuurhi-ne, the combination with keys and a platen, of aribbonearrier, a part reeiproeated at. the typestrokes, a stepped member bet ween said ribbon-earrier and said reeiproeating pa t, a. shifter eont rolling said stepped member so as to bring eit her step thereof into eoiipel'afioll wit h said reeiproeat ing part, and keys having means for moving said shifter-to different positions, aid kevs being differently eolored.

29. In a type-wruin; mac ne. the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbon vibrator, a. part reeiproeated at the typestrokes, a stepped member shiftable upon said ribbon vibrator to bring either step thereon intoeooperation withsaid reciprocating member, a shifter mounted upon the framework and eonneeted to said stepped member, a two-arm lever operatively con nected to said shifter, keys mounted upon the arms of said lever, and means for detaining said shifter in different positions.

30. In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen, of a ribbonvibrator, a part reeiproeated at the typestrokes, a stepped member pivoted upon said earrier and pivoted so as to bring either step thereof into cooperation with said reciprocating part, a pin upon said pivoted member, a shifter-bar mounted upon the framework and having a slot to enga e said pin, said slot extending in the direction of movement of said ribbon-earrier, a detent for holding said shifter-bar in a plurality of positions, a rockshaft eonneeted to said shifter-bar, arms projeetiug from said rockshaft' upon opposite sides thereof, and keys upon said arms.

31. In a type-writing maehine, the eombination with t v )es and a platen, of a ribbonearrie r, means for vibrating the ribbon-earrier at the type-strokes, a plurality of differentlyeolored keys mounted upon the framework of the maehine, and means for enabling said keys either to control the vibration of the riblmn-earriel' so as to bring into use different widthwise portions thereof, or to eause said riblmn-earrier to be inoperative during the t pe-st rokes. V

32. In a type-writing maehine, the eombiuation with types and a platen, of a ribbonearrier, an aetuator reeiproraled at the t \'|)e.- strokes, a plurality of differently-eolored keys, and means between said :u-tuator and said l'ilibon- 'arrier and eontroiled by said keys for bringing different widt hwise port ions ofthe ribbon into nse:said means being movable b said keys to all inoperative position.

33. In a t w\\'riting nnu-hine, the eombination with types and a platen, of'a ribbonvibrator, an a tuator reeiproea'ted at the type-strolu-s. a two-arm lever, a key upon eaeh arm of the lever, and means eontrolled by said lever for either bringing difl widthwise portions of the ribbon into use, or eausing said ribbon to be inefl'eetive at. the type-st rokes, at ill.

34. In a t \pe-\\'ritiug nlaehine, the e-uubination with types and a platen, shiftable t enable different types to print, of a ribbonvibrating nn-ehanism 'ineludiug a ribbon-rarrier whieh is shiffable with the platen, a deviee shif-table fl'nns\'e|sel upousaid ribbonearrier for enabling different widthwise portions of the ribbon to be brought into use, and a shifter mounted upon the framework 'erent of the machine and connected to said trans- 'versely-shiftable device and provided with a fingernew.

35. n a type-writing machine the combination with types and a platen shiftable to enable dill'crent ty x-s to print, of a rail or frame shifting with the platen, a lever shifting with said rail, a ribbon-carrier having Ste 5 for engagement by said lever and also shi ting with the platen, and means for cansing said lever to engage either step at will.

In a type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen shiftable to enable dill'erent types to irint, of a frame shifting with the platen, a lever reeiprocated at the type-strokes and shifting with said frame, a ribbon-carrier, means upon said frame for shifting said ribben-earrier with the platen. a member 11 011 said ribbon-carrier shift able transversely and having steps either of which may be engaged by said lever, and means upon the framework of the machine for shifting said stepped member.

37. In a. type-writing machine, the combination with types and a platen shiftable to enable different types to rint, of a frame shifting with the platen, a lever reciprocated at the type-strokes, and shifting with said frame, a ribbon-carrier having ste s engageable by said lever, means for shifting said ribb0n-carrier with the platen, and means upon the framework of tllczl'naulIiIHPZfOIIPii CCl ing a relative. shifting movement between nation with types and a platen shiitnble to r l a l I l l l l I l i i I g 1 enable dill'erent types to )lllll, of a frame shifting with the platen, a lever reeiproeated at the tjy'pe-strolus, and shifting with said frame, a ribbon-carrier. means upon said frame for shifting said ribbim-earrier with the platen, a member 1! )on said ribbon-earrier shittable transversely. and having' steps either of which may be engaged bysaid lever, means for shiltinp said stepped mem er, a. stop for limiting the printing stroke of said ribbon-carrier when the pxtten is in lower- (ase position, and means upon said platenshifting frame for moving, said slop out ,ol' working posit-ion when the platen shifts. l

FRANZ X. \VAGNER.

Witnesses B. C. STICKNEY, ALBERT NATHAN. 

